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Get ready for an exciting year, fellow aficionados of crime movies, because 2023 has a thrilling lineup of cinematic criminal adventures! From blockbuster Hollywood heists to under-the-radar indie treasures that are true gems, this year’s crime films are poised to captivate audiences and leave them on the edge of their seats. So, grab your popcorn and prepare for an unforgettable ride filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists!
Whether someone is in the mood for urban adventures in a gritty cityscape or pulse-pounding action-packed movies, they are in for a delightful experience. Omitting titles such as Luther: The Fallen Sun, Sharper, and the beloved Murder Mystery 2 would be a cinematic injustice.
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Top 10 Crime Movies Of 2023 So Far
Sharper
In a world where people’s motives are cloaked in suspicion, and their expectations lead to chaos, a sly trickster focuses their attention on the wealthiest individuals in Manhattan. The story revolves around the intertwined lives of Tom, Sandra, Max, and Madeline. Picture it as a puzzle that seems to have transitioned from a cinematic feature into a binge-worthy streaming series around the mid-2010s.
The movie boasts a complex and non-linear plot that keeps audiences engaged, enhanced by a superb ensemble cast that delivers outstanding performances. There’s a thrilling sense of gratification in watching this narrative unfold, akin to discovering the crucial piece in an enthralling mystery.
Detective Knight: Independence
In Edward Drake’s most recent movie, which unfolds on the 4th of July, Detective James Knight is reluctantly assigned to patrol duty during Independence Day. His mission involves racing against time to stop an unhinged ambulance MET (Mobile Emergency Team) armed with stolen law enforcement equipment. Their goal is to disrupt the city’s celebrations with a potentially catastrophic event.
As the distinction between being the pursuer and the pursued becomes less clear, Knight finds himself in a gripping battle against domestic terrorism that hits very close to home in this action-packed crime thriller. While Detective Knight: Independence outperforms its predecessor in some aspects, it still falls short due to characters that aren’t fully developed and action scenes that lack excitement.
Murder Mystery 2
In the sequel to Murder Mystery, Adam Sandler reprises his role as Nick Spitz, a former New York City police officer turned detective, alongside Jennifer Aniston as his wife Audrey. The couple starts their own detective agency and their lives take an unexpected turn when their billionaire friend is kidnapped during his wedding.
Murder Mystery 2 strikes a delightful balance between humor and solving crimes, providing an enjoyable blend of laughs and a compelling mystery. Rather than aiming for grand ambitions, the film’s primary goal is to offer 90 minutes of enjoyable and easily digestible entertainment. With its clever and engaging plot, it effectively fulfills its purpose as a light-hearted and captivating cinematic experience, perfect for those in search of some fun and intrigue.
Luther: The Fallen Sun
In the much-anticipated film adaptation of the beloved British series Luther, Idris Elba reprises his iconic role, captivating audiences once more. The story unfolds around DCI Luther, taking viewers on a tumultuous journey as he faces off against the formidable adversary, the wealthy serial killer David Robey, who seeks to engineer Luther’s downfall through clever manipulation.
Despite its brooding atmosphere and gritty dialogue, the film’s main appeal lies in the exceptional performances of its actors, including those who’ve portrayed these roles for years. While it had a limited theatrical run, its true victory unfolded on Netflix, where it attracted a substantial audience.
Boston Strangler
Keira Knightley delivers a powerful and resolute performance in Matt Ruskin’s “Boston Stranger.” She portrays Loretta, a wife and mother who initially works in the lifestyle section of the Record-American newspaper in Boston. Alongside her colleague Jean Cole, they uncover a connection between a series of horrifying murders where the victims are strangled with their own underwear fashioned into bows. Loretta and Jean are the first to investigate and report this link in the newspaper.
Filmmaker Ruskin approaches this story with a newspaper noir style reminiscent of David Fincher’s “Zodiac.” “Boston Strangler” fully immerses itself in the intense events it recreates, delivering unsettling twists in a fact-based third act. However, the film’s lack of a unique visual aesthetic becomes more evident as it revisits familiar scenes.
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Mafia Mamma
In this crime-comedy centered around a strong female lead, a suburban mom’s life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire. With the guidance of the family’s consigliere, she embarks on an unconventional journey, defying societal norms and conquering her personal doubts as she assumes the role of the new leader in the criminal underworld.
Toni Collette delivers a captivating and magnetic performance, guiding the audience through the film’s exploration of the amusing and challenging situations faced by a woman trying to juggle the complexities of motherhood and the criminal mafia domain. This movie offers a unique and refreshing twist on the genre, blending crime, comedy, and a compelling storyline with a strong female protagonist at its core.
The Good Mother
In the aftermath of her estranged son’s tragic murder, journalist Marissa Bennings forms an unexpected alliance with his pregnant girlfriend, Paige, as they embark on a mission to uncover the culprits behind the crime. Their journey takes them deep into a world of illegal drugs, widespread corruption, and the hidden side of a small town in upstate New York. As they draw closer to unveiling the truth, they stumble upon an even darker secret.
Set against the backdrop of a quiet upstate New York town, Marissa and Paige find themselves entangled in a complex web of drugs, wrongdoing, and a sinister hidden reality. This results in a gripping and intense cinematic experience, full of suspense and high-stakes drama that will engage and captivate audiences.
To Catch a Killer
“In the heart of Baltimore on New Year’s Eve, a brilliant yet troubled police officer is enlisted by the FBI’s top investigator to lend their expertise in profiling and apprehending a serial killer causing havoc. As the complex narrative unfolds, the officer delves deep into the mind of this prolific murderer, navigating the treacherous world of homicide investigations.
With time running out, the pursuit intensifies, forcing the officer to confront their own inner demons while racing against the clock to bring this relentless killer to justice in an enthralling crime-thriller. ‘To Catch a Killer’ places the responsibility for the gruesome violence squarely on the mental health of the perpetrator and only lightly touches upon the shortcomings of the system in addressing individuals with such issues.”
Heart of Stone
The movie, featuring Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, and others, follows the story of an international spy who is assigned a dangerous mission to protect a mysterious AI system known as The Heart. This mission is entrusted to her by the peacekeeping organization, Charter, with the aim of preventing this valuable technology from falling into the wrong hands.
Heart of Stone showcases well-crafted action sequences and a talented ensemble cast. It also offers a modern take on the ethical dilemmas surrounding our reliance on artificial intelligence. However, despite the audience’s anticipation that Heart of Stone could launch a new action franchise on Netflix, it occasionally falls short in delivering the excitement viewers might expect.
The Out-Laws
“In The Out-Laws, Owen Browning’s life takes a hilarious turn when he gets caught up in his fiancée’s parents’ secret bank-robbing activities, known as the Ghost Bandits. Just as he’s getting ready to tie the knot, chaos ensues when the bandits target his bank during his wedding week. Owen suspects his new in-laws, leading to a comical clash between them.
Despite having a star-studded cast, the movie initially shows promise by blending humor with the ‘Meet the Parents’ concept. However, it puts in more effort than it actually delivers, lacking meaningful character development and depth in its comedic moments. While it tries to be charming with its humor, the film often resorts to disappointing and lazy shortcuts.”
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